Washing machine including oscillatory spray system

ABSTRACT

A washing machine having an oscillatory spray system particularly useful in laboratory, hospital and industrial applications is disclosed. A plurality of tubular spray risers are rotatably mounted on a liquid distribution manifold and connected to an oscillating mechanism to impart oscillatory rotation to the risers through an arc about their longitudinal axes during discharge of liquid from nozzles mounted on the risers. A rotary union joining the manifold and risers for flow of liquid therethrough is also disclosed. The oscillating risers are mounted to the manifold and oscillating means for easy removal.

United States Patent WASHING MACHINE INCLUDING OSCILLATORY SPRAY SYSTEMPrimary ExaminerLloyd L. King Attorney-Manfred M. Warren et al.

[75] Inventor: Robert W. Raefield, Concord, Calif.

[73] Ass1gnee: iyz'islzgms Enterprises Inc., Concord, I 57] ABSTRACT Awashing machine having an oscillatory spray system [22] Ffled' 19.71particularly useful in laboratory, hospital and indus- [21] Appl. No.:203,196 trial applications is disclosed. A plurality of tubular sprayrisers are rotatably mounted on a liquid distribution manifold andconnected to an oscillating mecha- 23904125519533 ism to impartoscillatory rotation to the risers [58] Fie'ld 185 through an are abouttheir longitudinal axes during discharge of liquid from nozzles mountedon the risers. A rotary union joining the manifold and risers for flowof liquid therethrough is also disclosed. The oscil- [56] References andlating n'sers are mounted to the manifold and oscillat- UNITED STATESPATENTS ing means for easy removal. 3,391,701 7/1968 Richardson et a1.239/243 X 3,422,827 1/1969 McCulloch 239/185 10 Clams 4 Drawmg Flgures Ix f l I Q I \1 I I P20 a w 1' 4 317 \L 22/ 2 1 78 7' A 7 8 36 64 28 78WASHING MACHINE INCLUDING OSCILLATORY SPRAY SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION In recent years the need for and advantages of specializedwashing machines for cleaning of various kinds of equipment, containersand utensils has become widely recognized. In hospitals, for example,carts, stretchers, wheel chairs and beds have often been hand cleaned.This has proven to be a most expensive cleaning operation, and becauseof the relatively unskilled labor normally used, the cleaning job isoften of poor quality. In the hospital environment a degradation in thequality of cleaning will in turn be a main source of recontamination.

Similarly, laboratory facilities are often faced with difficult cleaningtasks which, if not properly carried out, will affect the laboratorytesting. In animal laboratories, for example, cages, racks and shelvingmust be periodically cleaned. As will be readily appreciated, in otherareas of industry there are similar situations in which containers,utensils, equipment and objects of various descriptions must be orpreferably are periodically thoroughly washed.

In order to meet this demand various industrial or laboratory washingmachines have been developed. These machines commonly employ a pump,liquid dis tribution manifold system including nozzles for directingwash and rinse spray over objects. Such machines have employed a varietyof manifold configurations in combination with spray nozzle arrays in anattempt to direct the wash and rinse waters to all surfaces of theobjects being washed. Initially fixed manifold and nozzle configurationswere employed, and in more recent machines reciprocating manifolds havebeen used in an attempt to more evenly distribute the wash water andreach all surfaces.

Prior spray manifold and nozzle systems, as above described, have notbeen found to be effective in reaching the total volume of the washingchamber, and they commonly leave blindspots or gaps which the washerwater does not reach. Additionally, considerable problems have beenencountered in connection with the washing of interior surfaces ofobjects such as cages or containers, since there may be an accessopening on only one side thereof. Additionally, such objects have longsurfaces which extend parallel to the direction of the spray as itenters the access opening from the nozzles. Still further, during thenormal operation of industrial washing machines, the cleansing agentsplaced in the wash water will build up within the nozzles and mayoccasionally plug or impede the spray from the same. Thus, periodiccleaning or even replacement of the nozzles may be required, and priorwashing machine spray systems have been constructed in a manner makingcleaning and replacement of the nozzles most difficult andtime-consuming.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide awashing machine, primarily for industrial, laboratory or hospital use,which is formed for the distribution of wash and rinse waters to allportions of the washing chamber.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a washingmachine which is constructed to distribute wash and rinse waters in amanner enabling washing of objects having relatively inaccessiblesurfaces such as narrow-mouthed containers and the like.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a washingmachine which is constructed for rapid and convenient maintenance andreplacement of parts.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide awashing machine construction which is durable, easy to operate, and easyto adapt to specialized washing problems.

Other objects and features of the washing machine of the presentinvention are set forth more fully hereinafter and will become apparentfrom the following description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The washing machine of the present invention iscomprised, briefly, of a housing defining a washing chamber, a liquiddistribution manifold positioned in the chamber, a plurality ofelongated tubular spray risers with spray nozzles affixed thereto, unionmeans mounting the risers to the manifold for flow of liquid from themanifold to the risers, oscillating means connected to the risers foroscillatory rotation of the risers during discharge of the liquid fromthe nozzles, and pump means connected to the manifold for pumping liquidto the nozzles. The oscillatory rotary motion of the nozzles insurescomplete coverage of the washing chamber by the spray and effectivewashing of relatively inaccessible surfaces. The nozzle carrying risersare mounted to the manifold and connected to the oscillating means forrapid disconnection and cleaning or replacement of the nozzles. A balland socket union for transmission of liquid from the manifold to therisers enables oscillatory rotation of the risers for extended periodsin the adverse washing chamber environment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of awashing machine constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary, side elevational view, incross-section, of the manifold, union and a spray riser as shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary, end elevational view of the sprayriser oscillating mechanism shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of the oscillatingmechanism of FIG. 3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to FIG. 1, thewashing machine of the present invention can be seen to be comprised ofa housing 21 (shown in phantom) defining a washing chamber internallythereof. Mounted in the washing chamber is a liquid distributionmanifold means, in this case including an upper manifold havinghorizontally extending portions 23 and 24 and connecting portion 26 anda lower manifold comprised of manifold portions 27 and 28 and connectingconduits 29 and 31. As shown herein, the upper and lower manifolds areisolated from each other with the upper manifold being used todistribute rinse water and the lower manifold being used for wash water.These manifolds are supported in spaced relation by comer channels 25,which are not liquid-carrying members. Manifold portions 23, 24, 27 and28 are, by contrast, tubular to provide a liquid passagewaytherethrough. Formed in the manifold portions are a plurality ofrelatively spaced apart outlet openings which communicate with thepassageway and which have elongated tubular risers 32 mounted therein.Each spray riser carries at least one and preferably a plurality ofspray nozzles formed for discharge of liquid from the tubular risersinto the washer chamber.

Certain types of containers and apparatus have been found to beparticularly difficult to wash automatically by a machine. Typical ofsuch a container is an animal cage, such as cage 19 (shown in phantom)having an end opening 20 therein. Cage 19 is closed on all sides exceptat the opening 20 and accordingly presents internal surfaces which aremost difi'icult to reach and have not been effectively cleaned by priorwashing machines. lt is a most important feature of the presentinvention to provide a spray system which is particularly well suitedfor automatic washing of surfaces such as the internal surfaces of cage19. Thus, instead of fixedly mounting the spray risers 32 to themanifolds or reciprocating the manifolds, the spray system of thepresent invention is formed for oscillatory rotation of the spraymanifolds 32 about their vertical axes whereby the angle at which thespray impinges upon the surfaces being washed is constantly varied. Itis the oscillatory motion of the spray risers which causes the spray toenter opening 20 in cage 19 at various angles which, when combined withricocheting within the cage, causes the spray to effectively wash theinternal surfaces of the cage as well as the external surfaces. Theoscillating spray risers further insure that the entire volume of therectangular washing chamber defined by housing 21 is reached. It ispreferable that the nozzles on the spray risers be fan-jet nozzlesproducing a sector-shaped spray pattern of substantially uniform widthwith the sector-shaped spray pattern being oriented in a vertical plane.Thus, oscillation of the risers about a vertical axis causes spraypattern of the fan-jet nozzles to sweep across the washing chamber.

In order to mount risers 32 to the liquid distribution manifold meansfor oscillatory rotation of the risers, a rotary union means has beendeveloped and is illustrated in detail in FIG. 2. Union means, generallydesignated 34, is comprised of a first union member 36 and a secondunion member 37 formed with threaded portions 38 and 39 for selectiveconnection and disconnection of the union members. Members 36 and 37 areformed with oppositely facing bearing surfaces 41 and 42 defining asocket 43 for receipt of rotatable joint element 44. Joint element 44has bearing surfaces 46 formed to mate with portions of socket 43 forretention of the joint element in the socket and rotation of the jointelement with respect to the socket.

Although the parts may be reversed, it is preferable to fixedly securemember 37 to manifold 27 in opening 47, provided for that purpose, andto fixedly secure joint element 44-to riser 32 for rotation with theriser. Joint element 44 is further formed with a passageway 48terminating in an opening 49 in general opposed alignment with opening51 of passageway 52 in first union member 37. Thus, liquid in passageway53 of manifold 27 will exit the manifold at opening 47 and flow downpassageway 52 into passageway 48 and to tubular riser 32 for dischargefrom the nozzle.

As will be set forth more fully in detail hereinafter, risers 32' arereciprocally rotated or oscillated as shown by arrow 54 in order todistribute the wash water throughout the washing chamber. Accordingly,the continuous rotary motion would normally cause threaded members 36and 37 to become unthreaded, with resultant failure of union 34. Thus,the union is provided with locking means, preferably formed as a pin 56positioned in channel 57, which can be seen to pass through both members36 and 37. Threaded portions 38 and 39 are preferably formed to effect aconnection and disconnection of members 36 and 37 upon relative rotationof the members by rotation of member 36 about members 44 and 37 throughabout one turn to provide a quick disconnect union. It is highlydesirable and a feature of the present invention that the union meanscan be connected and disconnected rapidly and without the use of tools.Thus, member 36 can be rapidly screwed down upon member 37 until thechannel 57 in said members lines up, at which point pin 56 may bedropped through the channel and held there by gravity or by separatingthe ends of the pin. For removal of the union, the process is reversed,allowing riser 32 to be disconnected from manifold 27 and union member37.

Union means 34 are subjected to an extreme and corrosive environment inthe washing chamber. The wash water in the washing chamber is at a veryhigh temperature and live steam is often employed as part of the washingcycle. Additionally, the washing compound and the objects being washedoften include corrosive chemicals and particles. Accordingly, in orderto insure the continuous oscillatory motion of the risers while washingliquids are being transferred thereto, the union means 34 is preferablyprovided with a sealing and thrust bearing O-ring 58 positioned betweenthe ball and socket of members 44 and 37. The O-ring is preferablyforrned of teflon and has an internal diameter greater than, andsurrounds, the diameter of the openings 49 and 51. Threads 38 and 39 areformed to deform the O-ring slightly upon alignment of the channel 57 sothat the O-ring acts as a seal with respect to the majority of flow ofliquid reaching the union and directs that liquid down passageway 48 toriser 32. The threads, however, are not tightened so as to deform theO-ring to prevent all leakage past the O-ring into socket 43. It hasbeen found that a small or minor portion of the flow of liquid ispreferably allowed to pass beyond sealing means 58 and into the socketto act as a lubricant of the socket during rotation of the risers.Additionally, the liquid passing beyond O-ring 58 will carry foreignsubstances out of the socket as it passes over bearing surfaces 42.Forming O-ring 58 of teflon provides a low friction bearing surfacewhich further enhances the rotation of the risers. Additionally, thequick disconnect feature of the union 34 allows O-ring 58 to beperiodically cleaned or replaced, as may be required by the wearexperience during use.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the oscillating means, generallydesignated 61, used to impart an oscillatory rotation to risers 32, isshown. Oscillating means 61 is comprised of a linkage member or bar 62and drive means for pneumatic cylinder 63 connected to the linkagemember. Linkage 62 is provided with guide means in the form of L-shapedrods 64 and 66 which pass under bar 62 and are preferably mounted orsecured to manifold portion 27. As best may be seen in FIG. 4, cylinder63 is attached by a connecting yoke 67 to bar 62, and the bar 62 issupported in sliding engagement with the guide rods 64 and 66 so that itis free to reciprocate as indicated by arrow 68 upon reciprocation ofthe piston in cylinder 63. As will be apparent,

an electric motor with appropriate gear reduction unit and linkages canbe employed in place of pneumatic cylinder 63 to provide drive means foroscillation of the risers.

In order to impart the oscillatory motion to risers 32, oscillatingmeans 61 further includes a plurality of connecting rods 69 secured tothe risers and bar 62. The connecting rods 69 are preferably fixedlysecured to risers 32 to impart an oscillatory rotary force to the risersupon reciprocation of bar 62 and are further releasably and pivotallysecured to bar 62 to allow rapid disconnection of the risers from theoscillating means and relative angular movement of the connecting rodswith respect to the bars. As will be understood, the connecting rodsmight alternatively be fixedly secured to the linkage 62 and releasablysecured to the risers in a manner imparting angular motion to therisers. As shown in the drawings, however, bar or linkage 62 willreciprocate and further be drawn toward or displace away from the risersalong guide bars 64 and 66 during the reciprocal motion. Thus, linkage67 must be constructed in a manner accommodating the inward motion ofthe bar 62 as well as the reciprocal motion indicated by arrows 68. l

A detailed illustration of the connection of connecting rods 69 to bar62 is shown in FIG. 2. As will be seen, linkage 62 is preferably formedwith openings or sockets 71 which are generally vertically oriented andconnecting rod 69 is formed with a vertical portion 72 which isdimensioned for slidable insertion into and removal from opening 71. Thevertical portion 72 of connecting rod 69 is further preferably formedfor rotation within socket 71 as bar 62 is reciprocated on guide means64.

In prior washing machine constructions, considerable problems have beenencountered in connection with periodic cleaning of the spray nozzleswhich have been employed. In industrial washing machines, the washingliquids and naturally occurring minerals and the like often cause abuild-up of solid particles in the spray nozzles. Thus, it is necessaryperiodically to use a small wire or other similar object to clean thedebris from the throats of the spray nozzles in order that the sprayswill continue to operate effectively. Cleaning the spray nozzles bypushing debris out of the throat of the nozzle into the spray riser hasbeen found to be quite troublesome since this debris is trapped in thespray riser and will often become relodged in the nozzles rather thandischarge therefrom.

Accordingly, in the present invention it is an important feature that inaddition to being rotatable, the spray risers may be rapidly removedfrom the remainder of the washing machine for cleaning. As will be seenin FIG. 2, the upper end of spray riser 32 is formed with an end closure76 on which a veritcally extending pin 77 is secured. Mounted on uppermanifold 23 is a generally U-shaped bracket 78 having an opening 79therein for receipt of pin 77. Opening 79 is dimensioned to receive pin77 loosely and merely acts as a guiding means positioned adjacent theupper end of riser 32 and formed to cooperate with union 34 to maintainthe risers in substantially vertical position for oscillation thereof.It should be noted that the ball and socket construction of union 34 hasthe additional advantage of accommodating misalignments between union 34and bracket 78 which would otherwise catise binding of the risers duringrotation.

The removal of spray risers 32 for cleaning can be accomplished easilyas follows. First, pin 56 is removed from members 36 and 37, allowingmember 36 to be rotated manually through about one turn, thus releasinga first or lower end of the riser from manifold 27. The riser may thenbe lifted vertically causing portion 72 of pin 69 to be lifted fromopening 71 in the reciprocating bar 62. Vertically upward motion isaccommodated by reason of the space between end plate 76 and bracket 78.Once connecting rod 69 is free of bar 62, the riser may be displaceddownwardly to free pin 77 and the upper or second end of the riser frombracket 78, and the riser is completely disconnected from the washingmachine. Nozzles 33 can be cleaned in the conventional manner by pushingthe build-up in the nozzle throats into the center of the risers. Thedebris, however, may then be easily removed from the riser by tappingthe end of the riser and allowing the debris to pass out the passageway48 in joint element 44. After cleaning of the nozzles, the riser may berapidly reconnected to the washing machine system by reversing theabove-described process.

As above described, the washing machine of the present invention isformed with separate washing and rinsing manifolds in order that therinsing manifold not be contaminated by chemicals in the wash water.Several different manifold constructions are suitable for the presentinvention, but as illustrated, the upper rinse manifold is connected topump 81 through conduit 82 for distribution of rinse water to therisers. In FIG. 1 there are three rinse risers on each side of thewashing chamber and five wash risers. The rinse risers are connected byunions 34 to portions 23 and 24 and are guided at their lower ends bybrackets 78 mounted on manifold portion 27. The use of pump 81 isoptional, and conduit 82 may be directly connected to a source of rinsewater. Pump 81 can be used in order to increase the velocity of thespray discharged from the rinse risers. The wash manifolds are shown asa pair of manifolds connected by conduits 29 and 31 to a single pump 83.Obviously, a plurality of pumps may also be employed or a singleconnecting manifold portion, such as portion 26 in the rinse manifold,may be employed. Additionally, while the manifolds are shown in ahorizontal position with the spray risers generally vertically oriented,the positions may be reversed with the spray risers horizontallydisposed and oscillating about a horizontally extending axis withoutdeparting from the present invention. Additionally, it is a feature ofthe present invention that risers on both the wash and the rinsemanifolds are connected for oscillation to the same oscillating means61.

Pumps 81 and 83 as well as pneumatic source 84 and control panel 86 areshown mounted adjacent a side of the washing chamber. As will beunderstood, these devices may be conventionally mounted in other places,including beneath, above and behind the washing chamber.

The washing machine of the present invention can be formed of variousconventionally available materials. In many' laboratory and hospitalapplications 304 or 316 stainless steel alloy is preferably used forstructures within the washing chamber. The washing machine is alsopreferably constructed as a walk-in model affording a washing chamberlarge enough for receipt of wheel chairs, beds and the like.

The angle of rotation of the spray risers can be varied in accordancewith the cleaning task encountered and is preferably between about 90and about 120 around the vertical axis of the risers, depending upon thenumber of risers and the type of objects which are washed. Similarly,the nozzle employed is preferably a fan jet having an angle of about 50to 80 on the vertical plane, with an angle of 65 being very versatile,and a width on a horizontal plane of about one-half to 1 inch. Thevolume of wash water in capacity of the pumps also can varysubstantially in accordance with the washing conditions commonlyencountered. A fairly typical industrial washing machine will have a 10horsepower wash pump capable of pumping about 350 gallons per minute,although the volume of water pumped may range from about 200 to over1,000 gallons per minute. The washing machine of the present inventioncan further be provided with optional cleaning cycles and accessoriessuch as a pre-wash, live steam purge, steam sanitation cycle, and singleor double doors.

I claim:

1. A washing machine comprising:

a. a housing defining a washing chamber;

b. liquid distribution manifold means positioned in said chamber andformed with a liquid passageway therethrough and a plurality ofrelatively spaced apart outlet openings communicating with saidpassageway;

c. a plurality of elongated tubular risers each formed with at least onespray nozzle for discharge of liquid into said chamber;

(1. union means mounting said risers in said outlet openings forrotation about the longitudinal axes of said risers, said union meansbeing formed with a passageway therethrough for passage of liquid fromsaid manifold means through said union means to said risers and beingfurther formed for selective release and removal of a first end of saidrisers from said manifold means;

e. riser guiding means positioned adjacent a second end of each of saidrisers and formed to cooperate with said union means to maintain saidrisers in substantially vertical position, said riser guiding meansbeing further formed for removal of said risers therefrom upon releaseof said first end of said risers and vertical reciprocation of saidrisers;

f. oscillating means connected to said plurality of risers foroscillatory rotation of said risers through an arc during discharge ofliquid from the nozzles on said risers; and

g. pump means connected to said manifold means for pumping liquid tosaid nozzles.

2. The washing machine as defined in. claim 1 wherein, 7

said oscillating means includes a linkage member formed as an elongatedbar positioned transverse and extending horizontally and adjacent tosaid risers, said bar being formed with a plurality of openings thereinat spaced distances along said bar adjacent each riser; and wherein,

said oscillating means further includes a plurality of connecting rodsfixedly secured to said risers and releasably secured to said bar toimpart an oscillatory rotary force to said risers upon reciprocation ofsaid bar, said connecting rods being formed and dimensioned for slidableinsertion and removal from and rotation in said openings.

3. The washing machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said union means iscomprised of:

a. first and second union members formed for selective connection anddisconnection and mounted in connected relation, said members beingformed with oppositely facing bearing surfaces defining a socket;

b. a rotatable joint element mounted in said socket and having bearingsurfaces formed to mate with portions of said socket for retention androtation of said joint element therein;

c. said joint element being secured to a first of said manifold meansand said riser and said first union member being secured to theremainder of said manifold means and said riser;

(1. said joint element and said first union member each being formedwith passageways terminating in generally aligned opposed openings insaid socket, said passageways extending to said manifold means and saidriser for flow of liquid from said manifold means through said union tosaid riser; and

e. locking means formed for and selectively locking said first andsecond union members against disconnection during rotary motion of saidjoint element and passage of liquid through said union.

4. The washing machine as defined in claim 5 wherein said bearingsurfaces of said joint element and said socket are provided by generallyspherical surfaces to form a ball on said joint element mating with saidsocket; and

sealing and thrust bearing means positioned between said ball and socketand surrounding said opposed openings, said sealing and thrust bearingmeans being deformable to resist leakage of fluid from said union andformed to provide a low friction bearing surface to enhance rotation ofsaid ball in said socket.

5. The washing machine as defined in claim 6 wherein said sealing andthrust bearing means is an O-ring formed of teflon and having aninternal diameter greater than the diameter of said opposed openings.

6. The washing machine as defined in claim 6 wherein said first andsecond union members are formed with interfitting threaded portionsformed to effect connection and disconnection of said members uponrelative rotation of said members through about one turn to provide aquick disconnect union.

7. The washing machine as defined in claim 8 wherein said locking meansis provided by a channel through said first and second members and alocking pin inserted in said channel.

8. The washing machine as defined in claim 8 wherein said threadedportions are formed for securement of said socket by manual engagementof said second union member and rotation thereof about said jointelement until said ball portion is urged into and deforms said sealingand thrust bearing means sufficiently to insure flow of substantiallyall of the liquid reaching said union through said union to said riserwhile allowing flow of a minor portion of said liquid past said sealingmeans and between said ball tor to be substantially aligned with avertical plane.

10. A washing machine as defined in claim 1, and

a second liquid distribution manifold means used to distribute rinseliquids and positioned in said chamber, a second set of risers rotatablyjointed to said second manifold means by unions formed for passage ofliquid therethrough, a second pump connected to said second manifoldmeans for pumping rinse liquids, and said oscillating means for saidfirst named risers further being secured to and oscillating said secondset of risers.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE I CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION patent 5,773,2 6w Dated November 20,1973

Inventor) ROBERT w. RAEFIELD It is certified that error appears in theabove-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are herebycorrected as shownbelow:

Column 1 line I! change "washer" to wash Column 5, line 4, change"washer" to washing Column 8, line 26 (first line of Claim LI) changethe numeral "5" t0 3 v I I Column 8, line 39 (first line of Claim 5),change the numeral "6" to I Q 7 Column 8, line #5 (first line of Claim6) change the numeral "6" to line 52,(first line of Claim 7), change thenumeral "8" to 6 and line 5'7. (first lineof Claim 8), change thenumeral "8" to 6 v Signed and sealed this 15th day of August 197 (SEAL)Attest:

MCCOY M. GIBSON, JR. C. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner ofPatents FORM P0-1050 (10-69) USCOMWD; and, U.$ GOVERNMENT PRINTINGOFFICE I! o-au-au

1. A washing machine comprising: a. a housing defining a washingchamber; b. liquid distribution manifold means positioned in saidchamber and formed with a liquid passageway therethrough and a pluralityof relatively spaced apart outlet openings communicating with saidpassageway; c. a plurality of elongated tubular risers each formed withat least one spray nozzle for discharge of liquid into said chamber; d.union means mounting said risers in said outlet openings for rotationabout the longitudinal axes of said risers, said union means beingformed with a passageway therethrough for passage of liquid from saidmanifold means through said union means to said risers and being furtherformed for selective release and removal of a first end of said risersfrom said manifold means; e. riser guiding means positioned adjacent asecond end of each of said risers and formed to cooperate with saidunion means to maintain said risers in substantially vertical position,said riser guiding means being further formed for removal of said riserstherefrom upon release of said first end of said risers and verticalreciprocation of said risers; f. oscillating means connected to saidplurality of risers for oscillatory rotation of said risers through anarc during discharge of liquid from the nozzles on said riseRs; and g.pump means connected to said manifold means for pumping liquid to saidnozzles.
 2. The washing machine as defined in claim 1 wherein, saidoscillating means includes a linkage member formed as an elongated barpositioned transverse and extending horizontally and adjacent to saidrisers, said bar being formed with a plurality of openings therein atspaced distances along said bar adjacent each riser; and wherein, saidoscillating means further includes a plurality of connecting rodsfixedly secured to said risers and releasably secured to said bar toimpart an oscillatory rotary force to said risers upon reciprocation ofsaid bar, said connecting rods being formed and dimensioned for slidableinsertion and removal from and rotation in said openings.
 3. The washingmachine as defined in claim 1 wherein said union means is comprised of:a. first and second union members formed for selective connection anddisconnection and mounted in connected relation, said members beingformed with oppositely facing bearing surfaces defining a socket; b. arotatable joint element mounted in said socket and having bearingsurfaces formed to mate with portions of said socket for retention androtation of said joint element therein; c. said joint element beingsecured to a first of said manifold means and said riser and said firstunion member being secured to the remainder of said manifold means andsaid riser; d. said joint element and said first union member each beingformed with passageways terminating in generally aligned opposedopenings in said socket, said passageways extending to said manifoldmeans and said riser for flow of liquid from said manifold means throughsaid union to said riser; and e. locking means formed for andselectively locking said first and second union members againstdisconnection during rotary motion of said joint element and passage ofliquid through said union.
 4. The washing machine as defined in claim 5wherein said bearing surfaces of said joint element and said socket areprovided by generally spherical surfaces to form a ball on said jointelement mating with said socket; and sealing and thrust bearing meanspositioned between said ball and socket and surrounding said opposedopenings, said sealing and thrust bearing means being deformable toresist leakage of fluid from said union and formed to provide a lowfriction bearing surface to enhance rotation of said ball in saidsocket.
 5. The washing machine as defined in claim 6 wherein saidsealing and thrust bearing means is an O-ring formed of teflon andhaving an internal diameter greater than the diameter of said opposedopenings.
 6. The washing machine as defined in claim 6 wherein saidfirst and second union members are formed with interfitting threadedportions formed to effect connection and disconnection of said membersupon relative rotation of said members through about one turn to providea quick disconnect union.
 7. The washing machine as defined in claim 8wherein said locking means is provided by a channel through said firstand second members and a locking pin inserted in said channel.
 8. Thewashing machine as defined in claim 8 wherein said threaded portions areformed for securement of said socket by manual engagement of said secondunion member and rotation thereof about said joint element until saidball portion is urged into and deforms said sealing and thrust bearingmeans sufficiently to insure flow of substantially all of the liquidreaching said union through said union to said riser while allowing flowof a minor portion of said liquid past said sealing means and betweensaid ball portion and socket for lubrication thereof during rotation. 9.A washing machine as defined in claim 1 wherein said manifold means isused to distribute wash liquids and includes two horizontally extendingportions positioned on opposite sides of said chamber and a connectingportiOn joining said horizontally extending portions, said portionshaving each a plurality of vertically extending risers mounted forrotation thereon; and wherein, said nozzles are formed as fan jetnozzles producing a sector-shaped spray having substantially uniformwidth with said nozzles oriented to cause said sector to besubstantially aligned with a vertical plane.
 10. A washing machine asdefined in claim 1, and a second liquid distribution manifold means usedto distribute rinse liquids and positioned in said chamber, a second setof risers rotatably jointed to said second manifold means by unionsformed for passage of liquid therethrough, a second pump connected tosaid second manifold means for pumping rinse liquids, and saidoscillating means for said first named risers further being secured toand oscillating said second set of risers.